Friday Updates - May 26, 2023

Friday, May 26, 2023

The late John Hatch of Durham created the stained glass above located inside the Memorial Union Building (MUB) on the UNH campus. More information is provided below. Courtesy Todd Selig

Memorial Day is Monday.

If you're not sure what the difference is between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, you're not alone. Here's a Reader's Digest version of what you need to know...

Every year, two seemingly similar holidays at opposite ends of the calendar celebrate and honor Americans who have served our country. You may know that Memorial Day falls on a Monday at the end of May, creating a nice long weekend to kick off summer (it falls on May 29 this year), while Veterans Day, on the other hand, falls annually on Nov. 11 and serves an entirely different purpose.

While the holidays share similarities, they also have key differences. 

Memorial Day: This holiday honors military personnel who died in service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

Veterans Day: This holiday honors everyone who has served in the military, whether or not they served in wartime or died in battle.

We hope you'll join us for a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 AM on Monday, May 29 in Durham's Memorial Park at the intersection of Main Street and Mill Road. There will be a tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving and protecting our country. There will be guest speakers, musical tributes, a wreath ceremony and more. Please join in to honor and remember.

NEW HAMPSHIRE'S OFFICIAL STATE WAR MEMORIAL IS LOCATED IN DURHAM AT THE UNH MEMORIAL UNION BUILDING

Many Durham residents may not realize that New Hampshire's official state war memorial is located right here in Durham on the campus of the University of New Hampshire. Situated on the third floor of the MUB, the Memorial Room reflects that distinction and honors all New Hampshire residents who perished while in military action from World War I through present day. Funds to create this building as a war memorial came from alumni, the state, businesses, and civic groups.

In 1953, when Governor Hugh Gregg signed a proclamation declaring the UNH Memorial Union as the State's official war memorial (prior to building construction that was completed in 1957), he wrote that it was “desirable that as many youth of the state as possible should know and revere the courage and the sacrifice of New Hampshire men and women who served their country.”

The windows in the MUB's Memorial Room were designed by Durham resident and UNH Art Professor John Hatch. Hatch taught at UNH from 1949 - 1985 and was best known as a painter of landscapes. Hatch captured the essence of New Hampshire in his paintings of the White Mountains and the Isles of Shoals. Prior to his death in 1998, Hatch was honored as a “New Hampshire Living Treasure” by Governor Jeanne Shaheen who presented him with the biennial Governor's Award in Arts.

In 1995, the Memorial Union Building underwent extensive renovations and the location of the Memorial Room and the windows shifted from the west end of the building to its current location at the east end of the third floor. John Hatch supervised their removal and storage.

With concerns about how the windows would fare in the move, Hatch’s collaboration with the construction company ensured their preservation. Today, students and visitors from Durham and across New Hampshire and beyond are able to enjoy the windows from an improved vantage point and can be reminded of the meaning of the building's status as a war memorial.

VARIOUS TOWN ANNOUNCEMENTS...

The Raymond. A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center will be OPEN on Saturday, May 27th from 7:30am – 3:00pm. Additionally, there will be NO curbside collection on Monday, May 29th. Monday’s route will be collected on Tuesday, Tuesday’s route on Wednesday, etc. There will be no changes to the commercial recycling route on Friday.

The Oyster River schools as well as all Town offices will be closed May 29th in observance of Memorial Day.

On Friday, June 2nd, Durham Parks & Rec. and Growing Places will be hosting the 1st Annual Durham Day Dash 5K & Mini Dash races (NEW). The first 100 registrants will receive a race day shirt. A $10 coupon to Tideline Public House will also be given to the first 200 registrants. All 5k registrants will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win an inflatable stand-up paddle board! The Mini Dash races will be run first with the 5K to follow. Race awards and after-party will be held at Tideline concluding the race.

Then head downtown on June 3rd from 12:30-3pm for the Downtown Durham Day Community Celebration! There will be a lot going on throughout this fun afternoon on Main St., Jenkins Court, and 66 Main Street - Live music by the Dan Walker Band, a BBQ Fundraiser by Scout Troop 156, food samples, games, give a-ways, crafts and more.

And the Family Camp Out at Wagon Hill Farm is back! Join Durham Parks & Rec. on Saturday, June 24th-25th for a special night of camping near the waterfront at Wagon Hill! Pre-registration is required.

On Wednesday afternoon of this week, Executive Councilor Joe Kenney visited Durham to walk Wagon Hill Farm with Public Works Director Rich Reine, Town Councilor (and WHF volunteer steward) Wayne Burton, and Admin. Selig. The group walked through the historic Bickford-Chesley farmhouse, toured the living shoreline area, and looked at the upcoming site for the pedestrian bridge installation project. 

We appreciate that Executive Councilor Kenney took the time to visit this wonderful Durham property.

WAGON HILL FARM PHASE 2 LIVING SHORELINE - National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Funding Pre- Proposal Accepted for $2 Million Grant.

A pre-proposal application for continued shoreline restoration work to extend the living shoreline created in 2019 by an additional 1,800 feet to address the eroding shoreline at Wagon Hill Farm was submitted by the Town of Durham and its project partners, which include the Department of Environmental Services Coastal Program, the Army Corp of Engineers and the University of New Hampshire. We are excited to report that the Town and Project Team has been invited to submit a full proposal for consideration of grant funding totaling over $2 Million dollars to implement proposed improvements. This project is intended to stabilize the severely eroding shoreline and increase adaptive capacity of important habitat and recreation space as sea levels rise. In addition, it will protect valuable community space and continue to serve as an accessible example and teaching site for nature-based solutions in coastal New Hampshire.  

ORMS STUDENTS ASSIST DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS DURING ANNUAL SERVICE PALOOZA EVENT

Oyster River Middle School students this week at Wagon Hill Farm during Service Palooza. Courtesy DPW

On Thursday afternoon May 25th, Durham Public Works hosted over 150 Oyster River Middle School Students for their annual Service Palooza Event. The middle school students provided invaluable assistance helping the Town maintain several popular facilities including Jackson’s Landing and the Living Shoreline at Wagon Hill Farm. The efforts are very much appreciated, and Durham expresses gratitude for their hard work!

EVERSOURCE ACQUIRES TELEPHONE POLES IN NH FROM CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS - Ownership transfer enables efficient repairs and should enhances maintenance processes for improved customer experience.

We have been informed that Eversource has acquired all electric utility pole interests previously owned by Consolidated Communications (formerly Fairpoint) in New Hampshire, as approved by the NH Public Utilities Commission.

With this agreement, Eversource now assumes responsibility for maintaining an additional 175,393 utility pole equivalents across all 10 counties in the state. This ownership transfer enables Eversource to enhance service and reliability for its customers by streamlining repairs, new pole installations, and upgrades across a larger portion of its New Hampshire service territory.

Durham has historically found Consolidated Communications very slow to respond to pole-related issues. 

In New Hampshire, towns are divided into “maintenance areas” designated for electric and telephone companies, determining the responsibilities for pole installation, maintenance, and removal. Other entities rent space on the poles to attach their equipment, and joint ownership companies have agreements outlining the pole replacement process. By completing the agreement with Consolidated, Eversource eliminates the complexities associated with joint pole ownership and can integrate the poles more effectively into its maintenance procedures.

With the successful transfer of pole ownership and maintenance responsibility, Eversource is actively collaborating with communities and the state to address any existing pole issues, carry out necessary repairs or replacements, and include the new poles in its regular inspection protocols. This should benefit Durham.

TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS 2023/24 COUNCIL GOALS FOR DURHAM

On Monday, May 15, 2023, following several weeks of review and discussion, the Town Council adopted goals for 2023-24. They are listed below. 

Mission

To provide ongoing stewardship for the Durham community including effective and efficient municipal services.

Core Values

Excellence, Integrity, Justice, Resilience, Respect, Transparency

Goals

Note: These goals are intended to convey a 1- to 5-year time horizon and assume but do not list all baseline activities.

        1. Facilitate continued optimal functioning of Town government through continuous improvement, new efficiencies, waste reduction, and inter-agency collaboration.

        2. Conduct planning and take steps as necessary to protect public health and safety. and provide ongoing service continuity given the anticipated impacts of climate change, the post-pandemic era, and general operational challenges.

        3. Pursue long-term economic strength and resiliency, anticipating the community’s, the region’s, and the nation’s economic characteristics and opportunities.

            Task the Administrator with meeting the following: a) Holding the updated (post-revaluation) municipal tax rate at the 2023 level or less. b) Continue to make an effort to control spending, enhance revenues, broaden the tax base, and explore innovative ways to stabilize or reduce the municipal tax rate.

        4. Pursue long-term environmental sustainability and resiliency, taking into account existing and predicted impacts of climate change in multiple areas including drinking water, agriculture, food, society, transportation, ecology, and economy. 

        5. Pursue long-term social resiliency and quality of life in Durham intended to strengthen the community in a welcoming and inclusive manner by supporting the needs of residents, families, and other identified stakeholders by offering a wide array of active and passive parks & recreation and library opportunities, programming, events, facilities, and publicly facing educational information celebrating the rich tapestry of Durham history. 

        6. Continue cooperative and collaborative efforts with UNH to enhance mutual intellectual, cultural, environmental, social, and economic benefits associated with hosting New Hampshire’s flagship state university. 

        7. Leverage town committees and subcommittees to develop tactical plans to align with the broader goals of the Council and encourage them to collaborate with each other and communicate as necessary with the community at large.

 * Note that the order of the goals does not imply priority.

Almost everyone who maintains a lawn wants it to “look nice.” But, as the old saying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the bee-holder.” 

Typically, many residential lawns are maintained as uniform grassy areas. Any type of plant that is not a “desirable type of grass” is all too often considered a “weed” that needs to be removed. However, many so-called weeds should be considered wildflowers that are highly beneficial to bees, butterflies, and other types of pollinators.

As part of the “Bee-Friendly” Program Initiative, the Town of Durham Agricultural Commission encourages town residents to “Re-Think Your Lawn.”

The following sections provide some tips on how to manage a lawn for pollinators.

Planting/re-seeding – Rather than using a uniform type of grass seed, there are various types of “conservation mixes” that contain both grass and wildflower seeds. These can be purchased from farm supply and gardening stores and are also available from the USDA Cooperative Extension Service and US Soil Conservation Service.

Lawn mowing – There are three key factors to be considered when mowing the lawn:

1.  Lawn mower cutting height - Unless a person is trying to achieve a putting green for golf or area for croquet/lawn bowling, set the lawn mower to a four (4) inch height. In time, the result will be a lawn containing far more wildflowers, bees, butterflies and songbirds.
2. Where to mow and how often – Consider mowing just one-half or one-third of the lawn area at a time. Also, if there are some lawn areas that are drier or wetter, mow them less often. Rather than trying to achieve a uniform lawn, encourage diversity (a mix of grass and wildflowers).
3. Time of day to mow – Mow during late afternoon or early evening when bees and butterflies are less active.

Beneficial wildflowers – There are many species of wildflowers that can grow along with the grass in the lawn that attract pollinators. Some are native to North America while many were introduced by colonial settlers when they originally came from Europe. When the right conditions occur, many wildflowers will seed themselves without being planted.

PLEASE KEEP DURHAM'S ROADWAYS CLEAN ON THE WAY TO THE TRANSFER STATION!

In recent weeks, several residents have reported witnessing vehicles on Durham Point Road with unsecured loads of trash and recycling, resulting in materials flying out and littering the public right-of-way. Durham Public Works kindly requests your cooperation in tying down your trash and recycling securely when en route to the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center.

Securing your load is not only a matter of maintaining cleanliness in our community, but it is also crucial for the safety of others on the road. Loose debris can pose hazards to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, potentially causing accidents and damage to vehicles. By taking a few extra moments to properly secure your trash and recycling, we can prevent these unfortunate incidents and promote a safer environment for everyone.

Here are a few practical tips to ensure your load is secure during transportation:

• Bag and Contain: Place loose trash and recycling materials into sturdy bags or containers. This will prevent items from being easily blown away during transit.
• Tie it Down: Use appropriate tie-downs, such as bungee cords, ropes, or cargo straps, to secure your bags or containers tightly to your vehicle. Make sure to fasten them securely to avoid any movement or shifting during the journey.
• Cover Up: If you have loose items that cannot be contained in bags or containers, consider using a tarp or cargo net to cover the load completely. This will prevent debris from escaping and littering the road.
• Double-Check: Before hitting the road, take a moment to double-check that your load is securely fastened and there are no loose items that could potentially become airborne.

Public Works kindly asks for your vigilance and commitment to these measures to help keep our community clean and safe. Remember, every effort counts, and together we can make a significant difference in preserving the beauty of our surroundings.

PUBLIC HEARING ON PORTSMOUTH NHDES APPLICATION FOR WATERLINE

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Wetlands Bureau (NHDES) is providing notice of a public hearing scheduled for June 1, 2023, commencing at 3:00 pm. The hearing will be held at the NHDES Pease Field Office, 222 International Drive, Suite 174, Room A, Portsmouth, NH.

The purpose of this public hearing is to receive public comments regarding NHDES application #2020-02959, submitted by the City of Portsmouth, requesting to replace a 6-mile cross-country drinking water transmission waterline that brings drinking water from the Madbury Water Treatment Plant to the Newington Booster Pump Station. The project will

permanently impact 4,370 square feet within tidal waters to replace the existing subaqueous crossing of Little Bay from Durham to Newington. In addition, the project will temporarily impact a total of 78,460 square feet of jurisdictional area during construction, including 2,995 square feet within palustrine emergent wetlands, 26,595 square feet within the tidal buffer zone, 2,120 square feet within tidal marsh, and 46,750 square feet within tidal waters. Compensatory mitigation is proposed as a one-time payment into the Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund within the Salmon Falls/ Piscataqua River Watershed account. The location of the project is from Piscataqua Rd, Town of Durham tax map 12, lot 5-2 and tax map 12, lot 8-2, across Little Bay, to Fox Point Rd, Town of Newington tax map 1, lot 1-1.

The public hearing will be digitally recorded and made part of NHDES application #2020-02959.

Members of the public may submit written comments to be included in this application hearing as follows:

 Email: WetlandsApplicationPublicComments@des.nh.gov,

 First-class mail: NHDES, 29 Hazen Drive, PO Box 95, Concord, NH 03302-0095, or

 Hand-delivered during this application hearing.

All written comments must include NHDES application #2020-02959, to ensure the written comments are included in the record of this application hearing. Prior to the conclusion of the hearing, a party may request the record be left open for a specified length of time for the filing of information not available at the hearing. Otherwise, the record will be closed at the end of the hearing.

The file will be made available for review at the offices of NHDES, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment to review the file, submit a request to: filereview@des.nh.gov.

Garlic Mustard is one of several herbaceous non-native invasive species found in Durham. It was introduced in the late 1800’s from Europe for culinary and medicinal purposes. Because it is an aggressive invader, it has spread from tended gardens to woodlands, roadsides and field. If left to its own devises it will quickly overtake our native understory because of its ability to prevent growth of other plants from a chemical it emits.

The good news is that you can easily make a difference in its spread. From now to until the end of May, infestations of garlic mustard can be hand pulled. Garlic Mustard comes out of the ground easily when you grab individual plants by the base and pull firmly, releasing the whole plant - stem and root. Whole plants should be placed in a construction grade black plastic bag to ensure seed dispersal does not occur. Please do not dispose of garlic mustard in your yard waste or backyard compost. Even pulled plants can continue to develop seeds, which can remain viable for more than 5 years. Place filled garbage bags in a location in your yard for a week or two giving time for the plants to “cook” before placing bags out at the curb for pick up.

So how do you identify this woodland invader in your own yard? Garlic Mustard blooms from April to May during its second year of growth. Small, four petaled white flowers form at the end of a 1 to 4 feet tall main stem and on side branches. These flowers develop into elongated, narrow, green seed capsules. The leaves are heart-shaped to triangular with coarsely toothed edges which emit a garlic smell when crushed. In the first year of growth, these leaves appear more kidney-shaped and form in clusters of 3-8 leaves low to the ground.

For more information visit the nature groupie website HERE.

DID YOU KNOW? - Package materials can be reused.

One of the most effective ways to be sustainable is to reuse everyday items when possible. For example, consider saving your bubble wrap and styrofoam/air filler packaging for reuse by dropping it off at local postal centers like:

Postal Center USA

62 Calef Hwy

Lee NH 03861

OR

Postal Center USA

20 Portsmouth Ave, Suite 1

Stratham, NH 03885

If you frequent a different shipping service, be sure to ask if they accept bubble wrap, etc. for reuse.

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check out this site to find out: www.recyclesmartma.org

LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM NOW OPEN

The Low & Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program is designed to lessen the economic burden of the State Education Property Tax on certain at-risk taxpayers.

An eligible applicant for the Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief is a person who is:

• Single with adjusted gross income equal to or less than $37,000; or Married or head of NH household with adjusted gross income less than or equal to $47,000; and
• Owns a homestead subject to the State Education Property Tax; and
• Has resided in that homestead on April 1 of the year for which the claim is made.

You can file your claim online at www.revenue.nh.gov/gtc or download a paper form from www.revenue.nh.gov/forms/low-moderate.htm.  Paper forms can also be picked up in the Assessor's Office at the Durham Town Hall. The form can also be requested by calling (603) 230-5001. The completed application must be submitted to the Department of Revenue between May 1st and June 30th. The law allows 120 days to process the form from the date they receive your completed application.

For assistance, contact the NH Department of Revenue Administration at (603) 230-5920.

MAY IS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH! - Solving Challenges Together

The International Code Council (ICC) has declared the month of May as Building Safety Month. Each week in May there will be a topic in Friday Updates on Building Safety for both individuals and communities. This week's topic is Solving Challenges Together. This last week elevates Building Safety Month to a global scale and addresses some of the issues that we face as a global community including extreme weather events and water scarcity.

Clean water is the world’s most precious commodity, and public health depends on safe and readily available water. The World Health Organization estimates over two billion people live in water-stressed countries, which is expected to worsen in some regions due to a changing climate and population growth. Water conservation and efficiency issues have become crucial conversations amongst building safety professionals in recent years. The building industry looks to increase water efficiency through innovative practices and technologies not just domestically, but worldwide. 

 Click HERE to learn more.

DURHAM COMMUNITY PROFILE CREATED BY SRPC

Strafford Regional Planning Commission started preparing a community profile for each of the cities and towns in the region in 2021. The profile covers “demographics, economic vitality, livability and quality of life, mobility and accessibility, and resiliency.” Click HERE to see SRPC’s current profile for Durham.  (Please note that the Town was not involved in the preparation of this document.)

Durham Public Works and the American Public Works Association (APWA) are proud to announce "Connecting the World Through Public Works" was the theme for the 2023 National Public Works Week. This theme illustrates how public works connects us all through infrastructure and service, enhancing the quality of life for the residents, businesses, and institutions in Durham. This special week was designed to pay tribute to Public Works Professionals, Administrators, Engineers, Operators, Manager’s, and the entire Durham Public Works Team and to recognize the substantial contributions they make in protecting the health, safety, and quality of life for the community. 

WATER QUALITY FRIENDLY LAWN CARE - Tips on where not to pile yard waste.

One of the first activities drawing us outside in the spring is tidying up the accumulation of twigs, pine needles, and decaying leaves left behind during the winter. As this plant material decomposes, it releases nutrients, so there’s no need to aim for immaculate, but important to let the sunlight through.

The bulk of the raked-up yard waste should be put in an area where it can compost away from any drainage area or water body.

NEVER, rake yard waste into a storm drain, down a riverbank, or adjacent to any water body. Excess nutrients in a water body lead to algae blooms that rob aquatic and marine animals of oxygen, obscure water clarity, and even decrease adjacent property values.

Learn more about composting HERE.

LINDA H. HOLLISTER SWAP SHOP RULES – A reminder for residents.

Public Works and Swap Shop Volunteers would like to kindly remind residents of important guidelines to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved. In light of high traffic volumes and limited parking availability, we kindly request that visitors limit their visits to the Swap Shop to a maximum of 30 minutes. By adhering to this time limit, we can accommodate as many residents as possible and minimize congestion.

Furthermore, we would like to emphasize the safety and well-being of minors who visit the Swap Shop. It is mandatory for individuals under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. This policy ensures the proper supervision and guidance necessary to maintain a secure environment for young visitors.

Your cooperation in following these guidelines is greatly appreciated, as it allows us to efficiently serve the community and provide a pleasant experience for all. Thank you for your understanding and support.

SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT - Some residents may not even know they have one!

A rule of thumb is that if you are not on Durham's municipal sewer system, you have a septic tank -- and it needs ongoing maintenance. Getting your septic system pumped doesn’t just help to keep it functioning properly. It also helps our community stay safe by keeping wastewater out of the Oyster and Lamprey Rivers, as well as the Great Bay Estuary.

Learn more HERE.

Protect the community’s outdoor playgrounds for yourself, your pooch, and the environment. Add your name and the Town (Durham!) in the form at the link HERE and take the pledge to scoop the poop, every time. Did you know that NHDES reports out which Towns have received the most pledges!? Please help to show how much our community cares.

Also, if you see that someone has left their pooch’s poop behind, please pick it up!

As a reminder Durham Ordinance #2018-5 and Chapter 49 of the Town Code requires the removal of dog excrement/feces. 1st offense is $25, 2nd offense is $50 and 3rd offense is $150.

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly so Parents can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent to teach your kids about Fire Safety, the more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #21

Walking or riding a bike or scooter.

ALWAYS MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH DRIVERS OF CARS BEFORE CROSSING THE ROAD.

By making eye contact you know the driver of the car will see you. Also give them a THANK YOU wave for allowing you to cross.

OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL ART TEACHER INVITED TO JURIED EXHIBITION

Oyster River High School Art teacher, Alli Plourde, created a sculpture that was accepted into a juried exhibition at the Mosaic Arts Collective in Manchester. The piece will be on display from May 8th through May 31st.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING END 68 HOURS OF HUNGER!

The Oyster River Cooperative School District would like to extend a warm thank you to the community for supporting the middle school's Empty Bowls and Art Show fundraiser on May 17.

Over 350 sundaes were served, and $4,000 were raised for End 68 Hours of Hunger, the district's nutrition assistance program. This program’s purpose is to send home a supply of food every Friday with any child who feels /whose parent(s) feel this would be helpful and is named after the 68 hours of hunger some children experience between their last school meal on Friday and their first meal when they get back to school the following Monday. The program supported over 50 local students in 2022-2023.

The district would also like to thank Shain's of Maine, Hershey, and WB Mason for their generous donations of ice cream, composting bowls, and spoons for the event.

Families wishing to apply to End 68 Hours of Hunger, can do so HERE.

FREE MUSIC CONCERT BY OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL STUDENTS

The ORCSD band program is holding their 2nd annual Bandapalooza on May 31 at 6:30 pm on the Oyster River Middle School fields. This will be an evening of pop music, movie music and lighter selections. Join us for music and snacks. Performance is free, snacks will be sold to fundraise for the music program!

On May 25, the Oyster River Middle School celebrated its annual Service Palooza. The beloved school-wide tradition was launched 10 years ago again this year, all middle school staff and students participated in a local act of community service.

Durham Public Works hosted over 150 of the Middle School students. The students provided invaluable assistance helping the Town maintain several popular facilities including Jackson’s Landing and the Living Shoreline at Wagon Hill Farm. Their efforts were very much appreciated!

MAST WAY ART SHOW - MAY 30

The community is invited to join the Mast Way Elementary School staff, students, and families this coming Tuesday, May 30, between 5:30 - 7:00 pm to enjoy an art show. Every student will be a displaying artist. Free admission.

When: Tuesday, May 30, 5:30 - 7:00 pm | Where: Mast Way Elementary School (23 Mast Rd, Lee, Durham, 03861)

UNH SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS HAVE OPENINGS STILL AVAILABLE!

UNH Summer Youth Programs are still open for enrollment. With offerings in the arts, athletics, STEM, and more, the Summer Youth Programs are a great way for your child to explore their interests, learn new skills, and have fun this summer. Program examples include:

• EPIC – a computing course for grades 4-7 designed to inspire the next generation of computing innovators by engaging young students in learning computational thinking skills and programming fundamentals.
• KEEPERS – a STEM program for grades 2-4 with an expanded curriculum including general science, technology, engineering, math and lots of ART!
• Sailing – an affordable sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding program for students ages 5-18 of any sailing ability. This program is held at the UNH Community Sailing Centre at Mendum’s Pond.
• Writer’s Academy – a program for young writers to put their creative juices to work and improve their skills in a relaxed-yet-challenging environment.
• Theatre & Dance STARS Camps - day camps for students in Grades 1-12 that cover a wide variety of skills and genres: storytelling, musical theatre, drama, dance and much more! Camps culminate in a performance for family and friends.

Check out the rest of the programs and enroll today by clicking HERE.  

UNH EXTENSION "PLANT A ROW" PROGRAM REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!

Plant A Row is a hands-on neighbor-helping-neighbor initiative started in 2020 during the pandemic. New participants will receive a colorful “Plant a Row with 4-H” grow kit. ​Those who have participated in previous years receive a variety of seasonal seeds and growing resources. ​All who register pledge to grow an extra row or an extra container of fresh and local produce to donate to a local food pantry, a neighbor in need or to supplement their own need. It really is as easy as Plant - Grow- Donate.​

Plant A Rows aims to inform Granite Staters about food insecurity in New Hampshire, nurtures a giving mindset and encourages participants to grow an extra row or an extra container with produce that will be donated to a participating food pantry in Strafford or Rockingham County.

For more information or to register, please click HERE.